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Gota’s Presidential Candidacy & The UNP’s ‘Sirisena Nikāya’

This year’s Presidential election is tipped to be one of the most dramatic national elections in Sri Lanka—and for no other reason but for the possibility that Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be the Presidential candidate of the SLPP-led alliance.

In anticipation, the Rajapaksa camp is seen vigorously promoting Gotabaya, whose dual citizenship with the US has proved an impediment to any ambitions of the presidency. But an English language newspaper owned by a businessman closely affiliated with the Rajapaksa camp reported last week, that the former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence had on March 6 submitted an application to the US Embassy in Colombo to renounce his US citizenship.

Another leading Sinhala language newspaper, whose editor is a close associate of the Rajapaksa family reported last week that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, after extensive consultations with other members of his family, had decided to nominate his brother Gotabaya as the SLPP’s Presidential candidate. As the Rajapaksa family constitutes the politburo of the SLPP, no less, the decision has been widely accepted by the party’s rank and file, including the likes of Vasudewa Nanayakkara, who were initially averse to Gotabaya’s candidacy.

The act of filing an application, however, does not mean that the former Defence Secretary citizenship will be revoked successfully, allowing him to run for the Presidency this year. His application has to be reviewed by the US government, which has the last say in the matter. There is already a strong lobby in the US, exerting pressure on the US government to dismiss Rajapaksa’s application to renounce citizenship.

If the former Defence Secretary manages to get the all-clear in time, he will be the most preferred Presidential candidate within the SLPP-led alliance. And although he has confidently claimed there is “nothing to worry” about, the matter still hangs in the balance. He is also expected to fly to the US next month for a personal matter, but sources close to him indicated that he would discuss the matter with US authorities during the visit, seeking to clear the conflict over his citizenship within the next two months.

The UNP

The possibility that Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s will run for President also surfaced at the UNP Working Committee meeting last Thursday (21). Many of party seniors are convinced the SLPP will field the former Defence Secretary, but several of them—these including Sajith Premadasa, Mangala Samaraweera and Navin Dissanayake have pointed out that defeating Gotabaya Rajapaksa would be easier than defeating any other Presidential candidate fielded by the SLPP.

Be that as it may, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who banks heavily on the Sinhala-Buddhist votes, will be a force to reckon with. He has already projected himself as a ‘disciplinarian’ committed to ensuring political stability in the country—at any cost— suggesting that he will have no qualms about ruling the country with an iron fist. Rajapaksa’s modus operandi during his ten-year tenure as the Defence Secretary also lends credence to the belief that he, as a President, will lean towards ultra-nationalism and authoritarianism, leaving little room for dissent, within and without the government.

But Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s role as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence is marked with serious controversy. ‘White-van abductions’, extra-judicial killings and attacks on journalists took place under his watch. His name is also linked to several high-profile corruption cases that include the MiG deal and the construction of the D. A. Rajapaksa Museum in Hambantota, which is now before the Special High Court. His presidential campaign, therefore, will be dogged with controversy.

There is a school of thought within the UNP circles, that the party should field a candidate who can ‘match’ Gotabaya Rajapaksa who played an important role in the fallen Rajapaksa administration. The common idea is that the UNP should field a populist nationalist who can disrupt the traditional Rajapaksa voter-base. While the idea seems fancy on paper, the pertinent question remains whether the UNP is in a position to take that gamble — especially after their bitter experience with Maithripala Sirisena.

The UNP’s ideal Presidential candidate must bring to the table a ‘package’ that is diametrically ‘opposite’ to what the Rajapaksa’s will field, leading people to believe that Rajapaksa-style governance will only lead to chaos in the country. The UNP candidate must have a proven track record in safeguarding the rights of all ethnic and religious communities, and should not in any way, be ultra-nationalist.

In oppositions to Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s instincts, the UNP candidate should have unwavering faith in parliamentary democracy. He or she should be a mature and resilient leader, with an ability to work with people holding diverse opinions. This should also come with a long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development. The UNP candidate should be a person who can clearly articulate a vision for the country and not be a mere populist who will play to the gallery and seek to placate everyone.

Meanwhile, despite the President’s strained relations with the UNP, he has managed to cultivate a covert ‘Sirisena Chapter’ (Nikàya) at the top tier of the party leadership. They are the ones who speak in full praise of the President and unquestioningly support his every act undermining the duly appointed Cabinet. The reason for this strange affiliation must certainly be linked to business —tycoons that pull the strings from behind the scenes. It is no secret that these tycoons work closely with President Sirisena and the UNP’s ‘Sirisena Nikàya’, exercising enormous control over both sides.

It is then evident, that the UNP’s Presidential candidate should not be from the ‘Sirisena Nikàya’. Such a foolish gamble will turn the party into a toy in the hands of some notorious businessman and wheeler-dealers looking to consolidate their power by exploiting every opportunity. These pose a bigger threat to the UNP than any member of the Rajapaksa family.

It is important that the UNP makes a rational decision when it comes to selecting its Presidential candidate. While the party’s collective ‘emotional brain’ may fancy fielding a populist-nationalist, the final decision must come from the ‘logical brain’ of the party, having carefully analyzed the high stakes associated with this important election.

Latest comments

critical thinking/March 25, 2019

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I think srisena might have some last minute rope to do something .
not a coup but an alliance with some powerful people of UNP.
He knows this is do or die game.
He may open ups cases against Gota as and when he need it

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Desperate Sinhalaya/March 25, 2019

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Hi Friends, Please dont underestimate the danger before us.
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Bring Gotabaya Rajapakshes aka Gotler as future leader in this country will be cutting the neck by ourselves. It will definitely be branded an “omnishambles” by international community. At least 6.2 mio voters and the world rejected them by 2015. If Rajaakshes would return to power, we will be cornered in this world as an another North korea in making.
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International community and some portions in the country are well aware of the criminal records Gotler maintained under his brother’s authoritarian rule. We never had Buddhist radical movements of BBS (bodubalasena) that inflicted riots on broad day light under the direct patronage of the govt. It was public secret that Gotabaya was the mastermind of numerous violations carried out by across the country then. There were protests where people held them for asking cheapest food of the human being, which is drinking water. Unfortunately, people were shot by deploying countries army and even killing few young boys in those marches. Welikada prison, alone there had been 23 prisoners that were caught by the gun men hired by Gotabaya’s men. None of these brutalities are completely investigated, yet today, even if 4 years passed since they were politically defeated in 2015.
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Unlike any other likeminded countries, following a brutal war, country specific extra judicial killings were not stopped instead, Rajaakshe men worked with underground thugs and killed innocent people. There had been villages that were reported to be permanent places where dozens of innocent got killed one behind the other ( Kahawatta). According to the reports published on the papers, it was not overlooked that the politicians in the region together with their police men committed those murders.

Tbc

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Simon De Silva/March 25, 2019

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It is high time to punish Rajapakshes setting them on a line for all the high crimes they deliberately committed to this nation. Not just tying lanken nation to Chinese debt trap, but all the human losses, they should be accountable, there they should face the music. None of them have right to be roaming in the city the way they ve been doing sofar.

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ABM/March 25, 2019

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Couldn’t have said better.

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Desperate Sinhalaya/March 25, 2019

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cont.
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How many left the country in post war period, not being able to face the brutalities. Specially journalists were targeted and murdered down by their most known white vanning mechanism. Numerous money laundering acts making up of billions costed the state, despite all of them are still under investigation. Morally these men as Rajapakshes have no right to contest as leaders for this country, if people could grasp, let alone, a modicum of heinous crimes deliberately perpetrated by them, the Rajaakshe family.
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Irony is that the LOCAL media, that faced the unexpected harassments under Rajaakshes regime, itself seem to have forgotten the unmemorable past easily and obviously media mudalalis may like be working on the pay roll of Rajapakshes. Also possible, they may be under the death threats of unpredictable Rajakshes and their loyalists. For them, nothing seems to be important than their selfish commercial gains. They the media per se seem to be even more dangerous than Rajapakshe politics, when looking at the manner, their misleading keep the innocent masses of the country away from the facts and figures of the on going politics.
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We must not unnecessarily overestimate us as an another developing nation. Some of our leaders though paint us as “ mid income earning nations”, one should really focus on the level of poverty governing in northern and other rural corners of the country. Over 30% are reported are far from dreaming of their shelters.

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Chitra/March 25, 2019

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You make good points, but our Sri Lankans are foolish, and they forget very easily. The present lot are to be blamed for making a mess, and our people seem to have forgotten that we lived in fear, white vans, unsolved crimes, murders, journalists attacked, harassed, and killed. The Rajapaksa’s have seized lands, homes, and made out like bandits, still, Sri Lankans yearn for another term by this lot. Back to the BBS goons terrorizing the minority, and racial tension.

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punchinilame/March 25, 2019

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Do not fear – No Gota can win. The Sinhala Buddhist Voters will be guided by its
intelligentsia more forcefully with all seriousness.if Gota comes into the picture.
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The present hype is all show & hidden threats to get off the criminality he faces in Courts – this may be one of the Black-coat tactics for the millions they ear off Rajapakses.

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Amarasiri/March 25, 2019

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Rasika Jayakody,

RE: Gota’s Presidential Candidacy & The UNP’s ‘Sirisena Nikāya’

“In anticipation, the Rajapaksa camp is seen vigorously promoting Gotabaya, whose dual citizenship with the US has proved an impediment to any ambitions of the presidency. But an English language newspaper owned by a businessman closely affiliated with the Rajapaksa camp reported last week, that the former Secretary to the Ministry of Defence had on March 6 submitted an application to the US Embassy in Colombo to renounce his US citizenship. “

So the US can delay approving his denunciation of the US Citizenship, bur he may have to pay all the back taxes on the stolen loot.

So, it is going go be between SLPP and UNP. Ranil W is tarnished, and the UNP and the ant-Rajapaka collation need to select Sarath Fonseka.

Will the JVP succeed in abolishing the Executive Presidency on time?

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Simon De Silva/March 25, 2019

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Peopleare made permament blind, that this man would be the real force for the next. But the bugger has a bunch allegations, filed cases against him. None of them are near to clear.
He himself got them blocked by filing pettions not allowing him arrest.
If the bugger is that brave, why should he have the fears not to face them.
Those who suffering and got killed, their families and their weeps tremor this country yet today, but hired men are always there to torth this bugger et al, ironically using the statefunds then robbed out by them. THe picture of the article says almost everything about the bugger and the men and his supporters.
May this nation be blessed with REAL TEACHINGs of BUDDHA.

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Amarasiri/March 25, 2019

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Simon De Silva,

Do you mean say that Para-Sinhala Para-“Buddhism” is Fake and not Real Pristine Buddhism, and the late Ven. Rahula Thero, was of the same opinion, but the rest of the Para-Sinhala Para-Monks, represented by the Para-Mahanayakas and their Temple fucking buddies, claim that it Buddhism, and the Para-Sinhala politicians agree.

“Religion is the opium of the masses”- Philosopher Karl Marx.

A Fundamentalist “Islamic” student stabs to death a professor teaching English at a Pakistani University , this week, because he was organizing a welcome party for students, that allowed the mixing of male and female students.

Indeed religion is the opium of the masses and deadly, and a great business, where the promoters Do Not have to Deliver, Only Promise.

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Simon De Silva/March 25, 2019

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Amarasiri Bro@
I dont think it is right to put the blame on the people only knowing that lanken systems have permamently put them in dark. Like for example, imagine how they the printed and visual media work today, as if they should not respect media ethics as is the case in UK or any civilized country in Europe. No matter peoples would have been misled by falsified information, they the MEDIA mudalalis continue their abusive media culture in the country.
They the media mudalalis may be financed by the stolen sums by Rajaakshe then. Not long ago, those OCTOBER coup revealed to the world, that RAJAAKSHE could and had been ready to offer 2 million of US dollars, if any opposition MP would cross over to the FAKE govt. There the name of former President’s sons and their so called secretaries were read in tabloids.
I think the sytem is made them to earn lot more BROWNIES in today s context, no matter the facts and figures of the current politics would lie somewhere else. They Rajakshes are led by LOCAL media for some reasons. The lately created COUP was an act of SIRASA TV for sure. Sirasa challenges to say, that nobody could make them silent ? WHOSE power is being abused by them if not by SIRISENA S?
What happened media ethics and the related authorities if there are in the country ?
Goebels theory made GERMANS blind in 40ties, north koreans are yet today being subjected to the same theories… and SRILANKAs ground reality is not that far from the mentioned two right ?

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Amarasiri/March 27, 2019

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Simon Sahodaraya,

Yes, with a mean IQ of 79, the media and the Rajapaksa’s have an easy time fooling and spinning the truth. Wimal Buruwansa says 2/2 =0, and gets 300,000 preferential votes. Mahinda says that a 9-month old baby said Jayaweva when he held the baby and still got 5 million votes. With all the spinning and lies, people and confused, and cannot sort one from the other, due to the low mean IQ,

Does it mean that Sri Lankans need to wait on evolutionary time to get things sorted out?

Is it time for a revolution, French Style?

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Simon De Silva/March 27, 2019

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Amasiri Bro,
.
Immediately we checked it about VALAMPOORI -the outer skeletons of those sea creatures, could at all influence on any other living beings, we warned the people in SL, in many ways. I asked few of my friends (WRITERS and marine biologists ) to discuss this publicly in local papers. They did it but they ended up in vain as that YATHAROOPA programme telecasted by SLRC, had to cancell not being able to get over from the pressure exercised on them by the ASTROLOGISTS.
Now about VALAMPOORI -. Not a single publication found on the invisible powers as such. But until few months ago only, srilanken police locked up that FAKE prof. Kirthi Disssanayaka – whose wealth blown upto few hundreds of millions with palaces being built in colombo. This lucrative business of the abusive man lasted 8 long years. No matter, people were made aware, they never heard but followed the bugger’s information about UNVISIBLE stories that could be blessed, if an expensive VALAMPOORI would have in the house hold of the person who wait for fortunes.
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Let me explain how this chain reaction works well for them. Cheaters of Kirthi Disanayake nature, firstly, approaches the politicians and wealthy men and women in Colombo. Once they inject the germ into so called men and women, they use it as their adverts. ” This particular VALAMPOOR fake prof. ” is reported to have added to some videos that he is very close to IGP, and several ministers in previous regime. That way, he can twist the gulliable mind set easily. They are well talented at creeping by their kind of business talks.
.
I believe very same is the case with LANKEN people that let political demagogues to easily abuse them. Media would do anything so long they are well paid. They dont care about people being fed with the truths or untruths.

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Babalathappu/March 25, 2019

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See, the true story of the lease of Hambantota Harbour.
:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qecR0PEZK1w
.
Had BP Rajakshes been wise, would they ever have let CHINESE to go for this. No proper feasiblity studies have done, but to stand out RAJAPAKSHE native place, just because of his inferior complex, the nation had to be caught by CHINESE debt trap.
:
May curse be with Rajapakshes.

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Sam Fernando/March 25, 2019

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SIRISENA has proved it once, who knows what his next step would be.
:
At least to earn some respect, he should do something tightening the rope already around Rajapakshes and their men. THat is the only way out to see the way forward.

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Bunjappu/March 26, 2019

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DR/March 25, 2019

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When going through editorials, news reports, readers’ views etc. in print, electronic and social media, it is found that almost everybody criticizes the set of present and past rulers – Sirisenas, Rajapakses, Wickramasinghes et al.

Why do we keep talking about their mistakes and at the same time argue who among them should be our future rulers? Why don’t we think about a new set with an honest leader who would put a full stop to crimes, corruption and other misdeeds which were/are hallmarks of the past/present lot?

Media too should direct, encourage and support masses to achieve this goal.

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DR. Yes it is a great idea! I appreciate it. Please do tell all our citizens including the Politicos the way to embark on your suggestion. Thanks.

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Sam Fernando/March 25, 2019

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Gotabaya is known as Gotler – alleged to have murdered dozens of people alone in post war sessions, are flanked by alleged criminals. Fernando is believed to be one of the most abusive men in Pohottuwa. Entire world watched the way the abusive MP presided over the brawl in the parliament, 14 Nov 2018. This picture worth thousands words, no explanation would be necessary.
If people would be misled by GOTABAYA false propaganda, no doubt this nation will end up being caught by Rajapakshe rascals politics again. Media mafia is run by the stolen funds of Rajapakshes, that is the reason those channels to behave that obsequeious further keeping the innocient masses in dark.

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Burt/March 25, 2019

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Sirisena is royally screwed. Feeling sorry for him Mihanda has promised to visit him with some “Hoppers”.

So now the real contenders are UNP and SLPP for that chair. If there is a dark horse that would be JVP and not “Appa Sira” with the SLFP.

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JD/March 25, 2019

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I here, there will be two people from the socialist camp and two people from the Neo-liberal camp will hand over nominations. Probably a Monk may hand over nominations as an individual. Some of the Parliamentarians have lined up behind some stronger presidential hopeful and he says, I get so many phone calls a day saying we are supporting you sir. blah blah and they want to come and “I heard some one related to Phillip gunawardane also has second thoughts and Two Rajapakases had said, others won’t come but we two want to come and we are not the people that scolded you. I heard LEslie gunawardane had been talked to even by the bond scam people.

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Lankan/March 25, 2019

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If he comes he will not be like that of old Gota. He learned his lesson. But Ranil, MS, and many people would not like him back.. All knows if he comes he will be no like Ranil Or MS,, he is a man of action. He will do something but not like before…lesser in punishment.. he would not kill anyone this time.. But, he will put his political enemies in jails or send them out of the country.

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Citizen Silva/March 25, 2019

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This has happened because SLFP and UNP fooled the people all the time

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VJ/March 25, 2019

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If he had killed someone the last time, he is not qualified to be President. He should be in jail instead.

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Muhandiram/March 25, 2019

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:Lankan

Who told you? Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena, M.R.’s Astrologer?

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JD/March 25, 2019

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Mangala Samaraweera after he met everybody in the Foundation Stone laying ceremony. this is the FOURTH Foundation stone of Ranil, all previous three did not work. German Ambassador, when Asked about the VOxvagen debacle, one of Ranil’s international friends had said.Sri lanka does not get any investments because Srilanka is not suitable blah blah. So, people are worried whether Ranil has SATURN ERASHTAKA when he laid his fourth foundation stone on his 70th birth day. NAvin dissanayake had said, to Ranil Ane Sir, I” can not my Father’s record, I won’t get any votes (probably from Tamils). Ranil had said DO NOT TELL THOSE. Yesterday, Ranil was worrying he got a Gems-embossed elephant but not any money

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Mallaiyuran/March 25, 2019

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There is some rattling on Mangala side. He may be able to raise more money than other UNPyers. Slap Party opponents and SLFP opponents would see him as sincere politicians than those who are already UNP supporters. Samantha Power’s visit suggests he may get outside blessing too.

The thorny question is if SLFP place a candidate (say New King) whose votes he would split. One may think it is going to be Slap Party candidate’s votes as it is a sibling of SLFP. But the reality in LG was it split UNP votes. We still have to see what happened in LG election. We are not sure if New King’s anti-Ranil action encouraged the UNP votes to go to Slap Party or New King split the 13% UNP votes and weakened it. If we entertain that argument, we are supporting a theory of SLFP these has only Zero base and the whole SLFP base have moved to Slap Party. Then SLFP stole 13% from UNP’s votes. Could that be correct?

SLFP may not have a base at this time. But New King has lot of hold. Further as he is pesky traitor for anybody, he has the capability tell any lies and kill Old King or Ranil. Joint Comedy Club will have to report to him until August 2020 to keep their parliamentary seats. If they are not wagging their tails to him, he can send them all home with a swing of his pen. Old Royals are depending on him for all local cases for mercy protection. So Old King keeping files will not work on New King but his Appa can devastate Old King. Ranil will not – certainly- hurt Old Royals. But it is not ensuring him protecting them from New King too. If New King manages to bring back Mahendran, he can work on CB looting from 2008 to 2015, Combined on Ranil and Old King.

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Mallaiyuran/March 25, 2019

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Chandrika factor on SLFP is quiet perplexing. If Ranil, Mangala or Rajitha, but not Vaalaiththodam Jr Stand for EP, she would like to support them. Kotte Royalty is the Attanagalla Princess’s favorite. She would do the same to Mangala too.

But Ranil would like to skip the EP election. 1). He is still scared of election so doesn’t want to get his feet wet in this for nothing. 2). He foresees running the country can be very difficult with the current economic and Political situations. So he feels it is worthless to struggle and earn a victory. 3). He thinks Old Royals winning the election is good for the country as he thinks they will defeat the West on human right issues so his type of sovereignty can be preserved. The biggest obstacle for him is he needs Tamils support. His repeated lies to TNA have created deviation between them. He split and destroyed TNA. So now, he needs Western support to bring TNA back under his control. But he created enmity with West too. He does want to go to them either. He doubts his ability this time to get Tamils supports. Muslim would support who promise the most and who has the best chance to win. They may see Old Royals as the most desirable at the last moment. Ranil knows that better than us. So he would not jump into water depending on Hakeem or Rishard without TNA’s Sampanthar and Sumanthiran. Ranil would like to abolish EP, provided UNP wins nest time and he did not stand for it. He believes removing EP will wipe out TNA’s King making chance. His uncle JR brought proportional representation system to get rid of Tamils becoming Opposition leaders. But this time they become opposition leader and King Makers. Ranil hates it.

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Lankan/March 25, 2019

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This vile human being should be in jail by now, not running for presidency!
How can he get away with blue murder?
It’s an absolute joke that these events are unfolding.

What a stupid lot these Sri Lankans are…so frustrating.

No one can help them.. land of passive, selfish citizens who don’t have any pride in doing what’s right…

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K A Sumanasekera/March 25, 2019

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Mate, Do you have anyone in particular who fits the Model that you want?.
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I ran the ruler on most of them starting from Dr Ranil down ,
But Couldn’t find one?
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I just went by our Dalits’ perceptions about Politics, and not what the Dudes who Wine & Dine in Colombo Port City and have Birthdays in Shangrila. expect?.
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Dr Ranil . will find hard to ditch the “Bond Robber’s Mate” Tag.
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Keselwatta Kid – Dr Ranil’s Faction even hate him . let alone Dr Ranil.
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Kandy Kirra.. Even Japanese have issued a Yellow Card with regards to Financing Kirra’s Monument to Kandy Supporters .
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Navin Dissanayaka . Even Native Vedda the spokesperson for the Diaspora hates him
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Mangala Samaraweera , I don’t think has many among even in his Daddy’s Od Turf ,now.
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So obviously not much there to pick, unless they advertise nationally .and internationally, the latter in particular because most of the Educated Good Ones are in our own” Viyathmaga”
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But then if there are any good ones there, they have to be Lanakan Passport Holders.
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Perhaps UNP Sira Nikaya may be the best to persuade one ..
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Oh, I forgot Uncle Karu, But then Uncle Karu does not appeal to our Dalits any more, after he did not one , but Two Somersaults to F*** them..

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Native Vedda/March 27, 2019

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KASmaalam K A Sumanasekera
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“Navin Dissanayaka . Even Native Vedda the spokesperson for the Diaspora hates him”
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I hate no one.
Navin Nayakka needs to confess and apologise for great many things. Until he does so I am going raise his credibility once in a while.
Are you trying to save his bum?
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What is Dilan Perera getting up to now?
He seems to be in a hurry to organise the next big July 1983.
Are you joining him or awaiting for your turn?

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shankar/March 25, 2019

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I think sirisena will go for his last trump card,to abolish the presidency.Then he will say “i kept my promise didn’t i.Everyone else said they will abolish it when they become the president,but i’am the only one who did what he promised to do.That is my legacy.

If he does not the UNP and its allies should put up their best candidate.Gota wil get about 47% only at the maximum,but that 3% to go over the line is too close for comfort.

The author does not want to commit himself by giving names,but any fool can see from what he writes that he is promoting karu and demoting sajith.I have nothing against karu,he is a fine,steady gentleman,but i believe that the UNF must follow a democratic process within it self and select the candidate.If you don’t believe in democracy in your own party,how are you going to win at democratic presidential elections where every single vote has the same value,and every vote counts.The only way to do this which i have told umpteen times is for a democratic vote for all UNP card carrying members to just go and put in the name they like most into a party ballot box.

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Ayathuray Rajasingam/March 25, 2019

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This is a great opportunity for Ranil Wickremasinghe. If Ranil wants 100 % of Tamil votes from Northern Province, then I am sorry to say that he will have to isolate Vijayakala Maheswaran as she is considered as a curse for the Tamil community. Ranil should get around all the Tamil politicians and emphasize on developing economy of the Northern Province and see that Palaly Airport receives the status of International Air Port. This will prompt the Tamils abroad to appeal to the Tamils in Sri Lanka to support Ranil. The Tamils have a grievance about the disappearance of Tamils for which Ranil should blame Mahinda Rajapakse & his cohorts. Ranil should give more prominency to D.M.Swaminathan instead of Vijayakala. No doubt the hill country Tamils and Tamils from the Western Province will support Ranil. Ranil should be careful about Maithiripala Sirisena who will cunningly distort facts to create a bad image of Ranil. Moreover, Ranil should rally around India and the Western democratic countries and assure the people employment opportunities. Tamils also should give due consideration when Ranil said ‘forget & forgive’ which has some divine impact, though the Tamil grievances are great.

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Ad/March 25, 2019

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The only person who will contest the election without any criminal or fraudulent past would be Naganada Kodituwakku. The people must give him a chance to prove his integrity rather than supporting known frauds and criminals. Anyone from SLPP SLFP or UNP or Rajapakse camp will spell doom for Sri Lanka.

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Ashok/March 25, 2019

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UNP should field Arjuna Ranatunga and second choice is Sajith Premadasa.

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Jay Chambers/March 25, 2019

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Lanka has a once in a lifetime chance to get a fully competent, strong, patriotic man with the right background as President. If Lanka squanders this opportunity I hardly this there will be another one in this century. The only man who has displayed iron discipline, courage, competence, efficiency and patriotism to fulfill the position of Lanka’s President it Gotabya. I wish him well.

As the old saying goes the rapid dogs (including Jihadis and their sympathisers) will bark but the Gotabya juggernaut will easily overcome any candidate to win an election. As for those who whine about collateral damages (so called white van abductions) they should remember that Lanka has a very high percentage of people who engage in treachery. Gotabya has no choice but to annihilate such destructive elements when they crop up. His support Buddhism which is the only religion that has built the grand civilization of Lanka, us a natural choice for someone who wants to preserve the Lankan culture from the invasion of Jihadis that is under way as we speak, spreading violent Jihad and Sharia law in the country. I sincerely hope that Lanka under Gotabya will arrest its decline under and prosper following the example of countries like Taiwan.

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Native Vedda/March 26, 2019

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Jay Chambers
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“Lanka has a once in a lifetime chance to get a fully competent, strong, patriotic man with the right background as President.”
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Do you think Gota will succeed where Benito Mussolini failed. It is proven Benito didn’t run trains on time.
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Are you one of those analysts/agents who is in Arms/Security Industry feeding paranoia to the people and selling unwanted arms to the governments?
If you are then you are the main problem, a merchant of death, and in killing business.
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If you are hopeful, you also must prepare selling white vans equipped with all the paraphernalia necessary to keep the people under total control. Gota needs good war to win elections and sustain his hold on the country, people, …………… He should start one against South India, politically and financially profitable for his supporters and his family.

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kali/March 25, 2019

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Sinhala Lanka is the ony country in the World which has chsoen a CRIMINAl and someone who is charged with Fraud to stand for President. Even African Countries dont fall below the standard expected which was evident when Mugabe was evicted after his wife was found to have attacked a Girl physically using her power as wife of a president.

But Sinhala Lanka has fallen through the Shit Hole and look at the news that is being put out by Info Lanka without any verification calling into quetion the Srandard of Journalism . When I read articles like UNHCR has been won and the Polls.next I wonder . UNHCR has not been won Sinhala Snhala Lanka has been Given an Ultimatum with Indias help . India in resturn has demanded 13th Amendment to be implemnted in full and the mechanism to be set up to prosecute War Crimnials within 2 years despite an outcry from and including Sharmini calling the legitimacy of the UN to interfere with a member State. She dosent understand the basics of UN. Do you call that victory.

Gothas Candidacy comes wth a price Tag.
Under Gothas Presidency things will move fatser before Sinhala Lanka is referred to the ICC.
India is not going to let Gotha run amok with her vital Security interests. He will be a LAME DUCK President. If history is to teach us anything it was the departure of MR which gave Sinhala Lanka a breathing space to fool the UN. I cant wait for Gotha to be elected an then HUMILIATED.

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Champa/March 25, 2019

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A brief comment.
There is no way Sri Lanka going back to 2010 – 2015 era where Gotabhaya and Basil ruled the country. They kept Mahinda in the dark. Their collective actions were the reason for Mahinda’s defeat. Their behaviour in the aftermath of Mahinda’s defeat showed that they have hidden political ambitions.
Basil has already declared that even if Gotabhaya is elected as the President, it will be him who will run the country.
What do they think? Gone are the voters who were vulnerable. People are very much ahead of politicians now. There was unprecedented enthusiasm and buoyancy in 2015 to bring Mahinda back to Parliament. It is not there for Gotabhaya. What we see is only an attempt by a few politicians to create some forced verve among masses.
Not only ordinary voters, even Mahinda’s die-hard supporters should have a serious brain trouble to hand over the country’s destiny to Gotabhaya and Basil, where Mahinda won’t have any say.
It will never happen.

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Native Vedda/March 25, 2019

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Champass
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“Their collective actions were the reason for Mahinda’s defeat. “
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Remind us as to what you mean by “Their collective actions”?
-.
“They kept Mahinda in the dark.”
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Mahinda must have been stupid, ignorant, incompetent, busy fiddling (while his brothers were fiddling), ……………………..
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What was Mahinda’s “lapdog” doing while all these actions were taking place?

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MirakRajBanda/March 25, 2019

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GOTLER (Gotabya + Hitler combined) has enough ill gotten money through, mega deals (MiG, Shangri La, Avant Garde and many more) , extortion and intimidation of wealthy businessmen. All what he needs now is the tanticle of power to roam white vans, feed human flesh to sharks and sell more and more land to Chinese or whoever pays more) as he did on his hay days. Dirty Dog Politics.

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Ruhunu Putha/March 25, 2019

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Sajith is the leader of the Sirisena Nikaya in the UNP. If Sajith become President, Kili Maharaja and Tiran will be unofficial Vice-Presidents. Sajith has no stated position on any major nation al issue.

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NH/March 25, 2019

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It our be interesting to hear opinions on which country would be the best example for Sri Lanka to emulate. Singapore, anyone?

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Buddhist/March 25, 2019

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Lets see the so called Tamil supporters in USA, especially Global Tamil Forum, what they would do. If they are truly worried about Tamils in SL they should immediately file a case against Gotabaya in US high courts so that the US Govt does not cancel Gotabaya’s citizenship until the case is resolved. US Govt does not allow cancellation of citizenships when there is a case pending against the party as it would appear that the person’s request is to avoid US courts.

Similarly how long Maithripala under whom the Police is functioning will protect Gotabaya?

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SJ/March 25, 2019

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The family may have another game plan, and it is still possible that Gotabaya will pull out of the contest.
*
What matters is to further devalue the executive presidency before abolishing it.

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K.Pillai/March 25, 2019

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WhiteVans, present and past atrocities, and the plunders, for example Srilankan Airlines, can be masked by interested politicians.
Look out for 08 June 2019.
PS: This is four and one half years since we replaced the former regime with a coalition GoSL.
.
Should we try RW?
Ranil, of the Lankan Elites, has weaknesses. The Lankan Elites do not have political boundaries. LayLankans rate them bad but do not have a choice.
RW’s positive is his determination and tenacity.

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Gotler's mother/March 26, 2019

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Jay Chambers,
From what “Chamber” did you mother drop you into this world? Did she cringe while shitting you while in the toilet? These kind of births I’m told are cruel because the expansion and the sudden contraction of the conceiving mother’s anal cavity for sure has caused your brain aneurysm to think tht Gotler has a chance. There’s are a few more brain dead idiots like you who make up the Gotler’s vote base. To us, Goatabaya will always be the sociopath and narcissistic whose only discipline that we know was in killing people or the ordering to have people disappear like General Pinochet. Gotabaya, the blood sucking leach developed this during his tour of duty in the Army and field experiments in the Rajarata Rifles regiment. Psychos like you Jay can wish him well because we wish him DEATH. We are waiting for the Gotler murderer to start campaigning so that we can puncture his arse hole with a bayonet in Muammar Gaddafi style. We will give Gotler his much needed sun light for his “Eliya” and “Viyuth Maga”.

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Ajith/March 26, 2019

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Srilanka is not belong to Mahinda Family. This land belong to the people of Srilanka consist of Sinhala, Tamil, Sonarkar and Malay. This land not belong to Americans or American citizens. If Gotapaya and Basil Rajapakse are true Srilankans why they become American citizens. Until now both Rajapakse’s did not want to loose American citizenship that undermines all those who lived in this island throughout facing the challenges of JVP and LTTE armed conflicts. Is it only Rajapakse family contributed to defeat LTTE? There is no one other than Gotapaya contributed to end this war with LTTE? Even after the Srilankan forces defeated LTTE why they didn’t give up their US citizenship until now?
Mahinda Rajapakse give Srilankan people a choice. Make Rajapakse as a President or Gotapaya will not give up his US citizenship. What will happen this country if Gotapaya will not give up US citizenship? All the Sinhalese people will be dead in poverty or terrorism or in floods. Why can’t another member of Mahinda Family become President? If Mahinda Family die in an accident what will happen to this country?
It is the Ceylon National Congress that brought this country independence. So far Srilanka never faced an external threat from any other other country. Sri lanka has no ability to defend any external threat if that comes. Not a single person or Single race can claim that they defeated JVP or LTTE. Both JVP and LTTE are Srilankan based armed rebellions. India, China, Pakistan, Russia and Western countries influenced for this rebellions and destroying this rebellions depending on who governs this nation and their economic and political needs. It is a cycle and nothing else. People have choices internally and do no need to depend on those who ran away from our country.

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